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1996 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season

American college football season

FieldValue
year1996
teamAlabama Crimson Tide
sportfootball
conferenceSoutheastern Conference
divisionWestern Division
short_confSEC
CoachRank11
APRank11
record10–3
conf_record6–2
head_coachGene Stallings
hc_year7th
off_coachWoody McCorvey
oc_year1st
def_coachMike DuBose
dc_year1st
stadiumBryant–Denny Stadium
Legion Field
championSEC Western Division co-champion
Outback Bowl champion
conf_champ[SEC Championship Game](1996-sec-championship-game)
conf_champ_resultL 30–45 vs. [Florida](1996-florida-gators-football-team)
bowl[Outback Bowl](1997-outback-bowl)
bowl_resultW 17–14 vs. [Michigan](1996-michigan-wolverines-football-team)

Legion Field Outback Bowl champion The 1996 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama as a member of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by Gene Stallings in his seventh and final season as head coach, the Crimson Tide compiled an overall record of 10–3 with a mark of 6–2 in conference play, SEC's Western Division title with LSU. By virtue of a head-to-head win over Tigers, Alabama advanced to the SEC Championship Game, where the Crimson Tide lost to the eventual national champion Florida. Alabama was then invited to the Outback Bowl, defeating Michigan in the game. The team played home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alabama's loss to Mississippi State on November 16 broke a 15-game winning streak Alabama had in the series, and was the Crimon Tide's first loss to the Bulldogs since a dramatic upset that Bulldogs posted over the top-ranked Tide in 1980. Following a victory in the annual Iron Bowl on November 23, Stallings announced his retirement, effective at the end of the season.

Schedule

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Rankings

Game summaries

Bowling Green

Alabama kicked off the season with a commanding 21–7 victory over newly reclassified Division I opponent Bowling Green, extending their streak to six straight season-opening wins. The Crimson Tide’s balanced attack and stout defense set the tone early, with key plays that stifled Bowling Green’s offense and secured a confident start to the campaign.

StatisticsBowling Green Falcons}}"Bowling GreenAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs716
Total yards177316
Rushing yards80154
Passing yards97162
Turnovers33
Time of possession27:4232:18
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Bowling Green Falcons}}; text-align:center;"**Bowling Green**PassingBob Niemet9–19, 59 yards, 1 INT
RushingCourtney Davis13 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJacque Rogers4 receptions, 44 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens10–16, 156 yards, 1 INT
RushingCurtis Alexander6 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingMichael Vaughn5 receptions, 73 yards

Southern Miss

Alabama’s defense dominated once again, holding Southern Miss to just 109 yards of offense as the Crimson Tide secured their sixth consecutive victory over the Golden Eagles.

StatisticsSouthern Miss Golden Eagles}}"Southern MissAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs820
Total yards109304
Rushing yards11115
Passing yards98189
Turnovers31
Time of possession19:3740:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Southern Miss Golden Eagles}}; text-align:center;"**Southern Miss**PassingHeath Graham8–26, 98 yards, 2 INT's
RushingEric Booth5 carries, 46 yards
ReceivingSherrod Gideon2 receptions, 59 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens15–23, 180 yards, 2 TD's
RushingCurtis Alexander20 carries, 73 yards
ReceivingMichael Vaughn5 receptions, 70 yards

Vanderbilt

In the first home game of the 1996 season at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a fierce shootout erupted as the Crimson Tide unleashed a relentless 21-point surge in the third quarter, overwhelming the Commodores and thrilling the crowd en route to a 36–26 victory

StatisticsVanderbilt Commodores}}"VanderbiltAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs1123
Total yards255367
Rushing yards116160
Passing yards139207
Turnovers53
Time of possession23:4736:13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Vanderbilt Commodores}}; text-align:center;"**Vanderbilt**PassingDamian Allen11–21, 139 yards, 3 INT's
RushingBill Marinangel1 carry, 81 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingBilly Miller1 reception, 38 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens16–27, 209 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT's
RushingCurtis Alexander19 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingMarcell West3 receptions, 43 yards, 1 TD

Arkansas

A defensive struggle goes the Crimson Tide way as they avenge their loss of a year ago to Arkansas.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaArkansas Razorbacks}}"Arkansas
First downs1413
Total yards288206
Rushing yards105130
Passing yards18376
Turnovers13
Time of possession33:0826:52
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens14–28, 183 yards, 1 TD
RushingDennis Riddle20 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCalvin Hall3 receptions, 78 yards
Arkansas Razorbacks}}; text-align:center;"**Arkansas**PassingPete Burks11–24, 76 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingOscar Malone
Chrys Chukwuma14 carries, 72 yards
9 carries, 72 yards
ReceivingAnthony Eubanks3 receptions, 37 yards, 1 TD

Kentucky

Former Alabama coach Bill Curry returned to Tuscaloosa for the first time since leaving Alabama for Kentucky in 1989. Despite being heavy underdogs, Curry's Wildcats forced a 7-7 tie at halftime which brought a chorus of boos from the homecoming crowd. The Crimson Tide then would use a 28 point third quarter to beat Kentucky.

StatisticsKentucky Wildcats}}"KentuckyAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs417
Total yards124358
Rushing yards75168
Passing yards49190
Turnovers35
Time of possession27:1032:50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Kentucky Wildcats}}; text-align:center;"**Kentucky**PassingBilly Jack Haskins5–14, 49 yards, 1 INT
RushingBilly Jack Haskins15 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCraig Yeast1 reception, 22 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens9–16, 152 yards, 1 TD
RushingShaun Alexander9 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCalvin Hall2 receptions, 52 yards

NC State

Despite giving up a season high 418 yards of offense, The Crimson Tide survived on the road to stay undefeated.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaNC State Wolfpack}}"NC State
First downs2022
Total yards353418
Rushing yards172158
Passing yards181260
Turnovers02
Time of possession30:4029:20
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens13–24, 181 yards
RushingDennis Riddle33 carries, 154 yards, 3 TD's
ReceivingMichael Vaughn6 receptions, 102 yards
NC State Wolfpack}}; text-align:center;"**NC State**PassingJamie Barnette14–25, 260 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingTremayne Stephens22 carries, 105 yards
ReceivingChris Coleman1 reception, 72 yards, 1 TD

Ole Miss

The Crimson Tide put its most complete game together to date in 1996 to roll to a shutout win of Ole Miss.

StatisticsOle Miss Rebels}}"Ole MissAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs928
Total yards158489
Rushing yards26273
Passing yards132216
Turnovers03
Time of possession25:5334:07
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ole Miss Rebels}}; text-align:center;"**Ole Miss**PassingStewart Patridge10–22, 132 yards
RushingTony Cannion9 carries, 37 yards
ReceivingTa'Boris Fisher4 receptions, 49 yards
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens13–33, 216 yards, 2 TD's, 2 INT's
RushingDennis Riddle31 carries, 140 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingMichael Vaughn3 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD's

Tennessee

Tennessee used 14 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to beat Alabama for the second year in a row and for the first time in Knoxville since 1984.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaTennessee Volunteers}}"Tennessee
First downs1510
Total yards326296
Rushing yards189120
Passing yards137176
Turnovers43
Time of possession36:2823:22
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens8–21, 137 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT's
RushingDennis Riddle38 carries, 184 yards
ReceivingMichael Vaughn2 receptions, 65 yards
Tennessee Volunteers}}; text-align:center;"**Tennessee**PassingPeyton Manning12–25, 176 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingJay Graham14 carries, 128 yards, 2 TD's
ReceivingJoey Kent6 receptions, 125 yards, 1 TD

LSU

For the second time in three games, Alabama defense would shut out its opponent. The Crimson tide offense went through one man Redshirt Freshman Shaun Alexander rushed for a School record 291 yards and all four Alabama touchdowns.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaLSU Tigers}}"LSU
First downs199
Total yards412248
Rushing yards35152
Passing yards61196
Turnovers13
Time of possession35:5824:02
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens6–18, 61 yards
RushingShaun Alexander20 carries, 291 yards, 4 TD's
ReceivingMichael Vaughn1 reception, 19 yards
LSU Tigers}}; text-align:center;"**LSU**PassingBryan Sparacino8–35, 133 yards, 2 INT's
RushingKevin Faulk14 carries, 45 yards
ReceivingLarry Foster3 receptions, 56 yards

Mississippi State

For the first time since 1980, Alabama would lose to Mississippi State in one of the biggest upset of the Gene Stallings era.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaMississippi State Bulldogs}}"Mississippi State
First downs1616
Total yards334309
Rushing yards229157
Passing yards105152
Turnovers21
Time of possession27:5532:05
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens9–18, 93 yards, 1 INT
RushingShaun Alexander15 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCalvin Hall3 receptions, 27 yards
Mississippi State Bulldogs}}; text-align:center;"**Mississippi State**PassingDerrick Taite8–20, 152 yards, 1 TD
RushingRobert Isaac21 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingReggie Kelly1 reception, 69 yards

Auburn

Alabama would pounce on Auburn early with 17 straight points to begin the game. Auburn would respond with 23 unanswered to lead by 6 late in the fourth quarter. Alabama would drive 74 yards to score on a 6-yard swing pass from Freddie Kitchens to Dennis Riddle to tie the game. Jon Brock extra point would give Alabama the one-point lead and eventual win to clinch the SEC West. After the game, Gene Stallings officially announced his retirement as Alabama head coach at the end of the season.

StatisticsAuburn Tigers}}"AuburnAlabama Crimson Tide}}"Alabama
First downs1321
Total yards296434
Rushing yards116142
Passing yards180292
Turnovers25
Time of possession28:3531:25
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Auburn Tigers}}; text-align:center;"**Auburn**PassingDameyune Craig11–39, 180 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT's
RushingRusty Williams17 carries, 89 yards
ReceivingKarsten Bailey5 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens20–33, 292 yards, 3 TD's, 3 INT's
RushingDennis Riddle21 carries, 131 yards
ReceivingCurtis Alexander1 reception, 63 yards, 1 TD

Florida

Alabama would be in its fourth SEC Championship game in five seasons and once again would face Florida, as they had the previous three meetings. The Gators would use nearly 500 yards of offense to win its fourth straight SEC title, a record that still holds to this day.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaFlorida Gators}}"Florida
First downs1322
Total yards296470
Rushing yards2769
Passing yards269401
Turnovers13
Time of possession30:1229:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens19–45, 264 yards, 3 TD's, 1 INT
RushingDennis Riddle17 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingMichael Vaughn5 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TD's
Florida Gators}}; text-align:center;"**Florida**PassingDanny Wuerffel20–35, 401 yards, 6 TD's, 2 INT's
RushingFred Taylor23 carries, 83 yards
ReceivingReidel Anthony11 receptions, 171 yards, 3 TD's

Michigan

Two 4th quarter touchdowns proved to be enough as Alabama would win its 10th game of the season and the 70th and final for Gene Stallings as head coach.

StatisticsAlabama Crimson Tide}}"AlabamaMichigan Wolverines}}"Michigan
First downs1322
Total yards247415
Rushing yards182124
Passing yards65291
Turnovers21
Time of possession25:2834:32
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Alabama Crimson Tide}}; text-align:center;"**Alabama**PassingFreddie Kitchens9–18, 65 yards, 1 INT
RushingShaun Alexander9 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingMichael Vaughn2 receptions, 27 yards
Michigan Wolverines}}; text-align:center;"**Michigan**PassingBrian Griese21–37, 287 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingClarence Williams12 carries, 58 yards
ReceivingClarence Williams5 receptions, 113 yards

Coaching staff

**Reference:**

References

References

  1. (1996-11-24). "Tide prevails; Stallings retires: Auburn Bama both blow leads". The Atlanta Journal.
  2. (August 31, 1996). "Not pretty, but a 'W'". The Anniston Star.
  3. (September 8, 1996). "No offense: Alabama 20, USM 10". Hattiesburg American.
  4. (September 15, 1996). "Vanderbilt chances go out with the Tide". The Tennessean.
  5. (September 22, 1996). "No repeat of nightmare". The Montgomery Advertiser.
  6. (October 6, 1996). "UK no mystery to Riddle as Alabama erupts 35–7". The Courier-Journal.
  7. (October 13, 1996). "Pack can't turn the Tide". The News and Observer.
  8. (October 20, 1996). "Alabama just too much". The Clarion-Ledger.
  9. (October 27, 1996). "Two in a row? It's a miracle". The Tennessean.
  10. (November 10, 1996). "Alabama blanks LSU". Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
  11. (November 17, 1996). "State stuns Bama!". The Clarion-Ledger.
  12. (November 24, 1996). "Tide wins a classic". The Montgomery Advertiser.
  13. (December 8, 1996). "SECond chance Gators?". The Tampa Tribune.
  14. (January 2, 1997). "Alabama's big plays leave U-M ruing missed chances, 17–14". Detroit Free Press.
  15. "1996 Alabama football archives". University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
  16. ''1997 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Media Guide'', p. 2
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